Overview
The SOF International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO) is an annual, school-based competition run by the Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF) to assess mathematical reasoning and problem-solving in students from Class 1 to Class 12. It is a privately organised talent exam rather than a government-run olympiad, and registration is done through participating schools rather than by individual students.
Who can take part
Students enrolled in a SOF-recognised school, from Class 1 to Class 12, can take Level 1. Level 2 is open only to students in Class 3 and above who rank among the top 5% of participants (by class) in Level 1.
Stages and pathway
| Level | Who appears | What decides advancement |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | All registered students, Classes 1–12 | Top 5% of each class advance to Level 2 (Classes 3–12 only) |
| Level 2 | Top 5% of Level 1 (Classes 3–12) | International, zonal and school-level ranks and awards |
Exam pattern
| Detail | SOF IMO |
|---|---|
| Format | Multiple-choice questions and problem-solving tasks |
| Duration | 1 hour |
| Mode | Offline (in school) |
| Language | English |
Syllabus
SOF IMO covers school mathematics appropriate to each class, extending into topics such as algebra, trigonometry, geometry, linear equations, differential equations, limits and derivatives, integers and probability for the senior classes.
Results and awards
Level 2 qualifiers receive international, zonal and school-level recognition. The top three international rank holders in each class receive cash awards, medals and certificates; SOF also offers scholarships to top performers.
Important dates
For the 2026-27 cycle, Level 1 is offered on three alternative dates — Friday, October 23, 2026; Thursday, November 26, 2026; and Thursday, December 10, 2026 — and each school picks one date for its students. Level 2 is tentatively scheduled for the second or third Sunday of February 2027.
Fees
The registration fee is Rs. 170 per student per Olympiad (inclusive of GST) for schools in India, Bhutan and Nepal, or US$11 for schools outside these countries. Schools may additionally charge up to Rs. 30 per student to cover administrative costs.
How to register
Registration is done only through schools, at least 30 days before the school's chosen exam date — SOF does not accept applications directly from individual students. A school must itself be registered with SOF; new schools can register by contacting SOF's office.
Preparation tips
Since each class has a separate paper matched to that class's syllabus, working through the regular school maths syllabus first and then SOF's own sample papers and previous years' question papers gives the most direct preparation.
Can a student register for SOF IMO individually, without a school?
No. SOF accepts registrations only through schools that are themselves registered with SOF.
Does every student who takes Level 1 move on to Level 2?
No. Only the top 5% of participants in each class advance to Level 2, and Level 2 itself is open only from Class 3 upward.
Is SOF IMO the same as HBCSE's Mathematical Olympiad Programme (IOQM/RMO/INMO)?
No. SOF IMO is a separate, privately organised school talent exam. It does not lead to India's team at the International Mathematical Olympiad; that pathway runs through IOQM, RMO and INMO.
How much does SOF IMO cost?
The fee is Rs. 170 per student (inclusive of GST) for schools in India, Bhutan and Nepal, plus up to Rs. 30 the school may add for administration.